It’s been about three months since Lisa Smith opened up Lisa’s Lakeside Bistro at the Christina Living Arts Centre.
Focusing on locally-grown produce and homemade items, Smith explained the everything, from soups to salad dressings, is made from scratch.
“We get bread from the local bakery From the Hearth, and I do a lot of stuff at Huckleberry (Mountain Market) when I can,” she said. “Everybody’s ecstatic that I’ve been keeping it local.”
Smith has been involved in the restaurant industry since she was 16 years old, and she jumped at the chance to have her own business.
“This seemed like the best opportunity in the world,” she pointed out. “I have been living here for five years and it’s such a beautiful and amazing building. There are meetings and functions going on all the time, and it’s a great size.”
Along with coffee and tea, Lisa’s Lakeside Bistro offers a healthy serving of breakfast and lunch.
There is gluten-free bread, as well as non-dairy alternatives.
With its prime location, Smith noted that there is regular traffic from visitors stopping by from the highway and local organizations that come in for lunch.
“I was telling some of the locals that if there isn’t a quesadilla on the menu, just order it,” she said, though they are in the process of creating a new menu. “We have the ingredients to make it.”
The to-go cooler is being set up, but once it’s ready, Smith noted that people can pack up a picnic lunch and head out to the park.
What’s made the business possibly is the umbrella of support that Smith has received.
“I don’t feel like I’m alone here,” she said. “The local support has been absolutely incredible.”
Future plans for the Christina Living Arts Centre and the bistro include the possibility of creating an outdoor theatre for a movie night, or inviting local musicians to perform on Friday nights.
“There are so many talented people associated with this building that anything is possible,” she said. “I find that life can be hectic, so taking a break here is a great way to relax. Whether you’re listening to the laughter and banter, or taking your tea outside to sit under a tree, people should be able to take a break and feel relaxed.”
Lisa’s Lakeside Bistro is open at 7 a.m., seven days a week, and will have later hours during the summer.
